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Analysing Fiction (Edexcel) – English

When analysing fiction for Edexcel English, you need to focus on several key areas, including language, structure, themes, and context. Below is a breakdown of how to approach fiction analysis effectively.

Understanding the Text

Before analysing, ensure you comprehend the passage. Ask yourself:

  • What happens? (Summary of events)

  • Who are the key characters?

  • What is the setting? (Time, place, atmosphere)

  • What are the main themes?

Language Analysis

Authors use language to create meaning, emotion, and atmosphere. Look for:

Literary Devices

  • Imagery – Visual (sight), auditory (sound), tactile (touch), olfactory (smell), gustatory (taste).

  • Similes & Metaphors – Comparisons that enhance description.

  • Personification – Giving human qualities to non-human things.

  • Symbolism – Objects, colours, or settings that represent deeper meanings.

  • Alliteration, Assonance & Onomatopoeia – Sound effects in writing.

Word Choices (Diction)

  • Formal vs. Informal language – Creates tone and realism.

  • Emotive language – Evokes strong feelings.

  • Connotation vs. Denotation – Implied vs. literal meaning of words.

Structural Features

The way a text is organised influences its effect on the reader. Consider:

  • Sentence structure – Short vs. long sentences (impact, tension, rhythm).

  • Paragraphing – How ideas develop.

  • Narrative perspective – First-person (subjective), third-person limited (one viewpoint), third-person omniscient (all-knowing).

  • Foreshadowing – Hints at future events.

  • Flashbacks – Changes in time to reveal information.

  • Juxtaposition – Contrasting ideas or descriptions.

Characterisation

  • Direct characterisation – Explicit descriptions of a character.

  • Indirect characterisation – Actions, speech, and interactions revealing personality.

  • Dialogue – How characters speak and what it reveals about them.

  • Development – Does the character change or stay the same?

Themes and Ideas

  • Love & Relationships – Romance, family, friendship.

  • Conflict – Internal (emotional struggles) vs. external (against others or society).

  • Power & Control – Who holds power? How is it used?

  • Identity & Belonging – Personal growth, culture, society.

  • Reality vs. Illusion – How truth is portrayed.

Context (AO3)

  • Historical Context – Time period, societal norms.

  • Author’s Background – How their life influences the text.

  • Literary Movement – Romanticism, Realism, Modernism, etc.

  • Social Issues – Gender, race, class, war.

Reader Response

  • Personal interpretation – How does the text make you feel?

  • Different perspectives – How might various audiences react?

Essay Writing Tips

  • Use PEE paragraphs –

    • Point – Make a clear argument.

    • Evidence – Support with quotes.

    • Explanation – Analyse techniques and effect.

  • Embed quotations smoothly into sentences.

  • Write formally (avoid slang, contractions).

  • Stay focused on the question – Don't just retell the story.

  • Use a variety of analytical verbs – Suggests, implies, highlights, conveys, demonstrates.